Allycia Hellen Rodrigues began the fifth year of her impressive reign as ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion with a spectacular, highlight-reel victory over Johanna Persson.
Just four months after securing a knockout win against Marie McManamon, the Brazilian champion returned for the main event of ONE Fight Night 33 at Bangkok`s Lumpinee Stadium, facing Sweden`s Persson before a packed crowd.
Johanna Persson entered this significant bout riding a seven-fight winning streak, which included a WBC Muay Thai world title victory. She came into the contest with strong momentum and apparent confidence in her ability to dethrone the long-reigning champion.
However, much like Rodrigues` previous challengers, the Swedish fighter soon understood the reasons behind the champion`s long-standing dominance in the atomweight Muay Thai division.
In the first round, Rodrigues expertly used her range, effectively landing jabs, straight kicks, and occasional roundhouse kicks on the challenger. Persson maintained her composure, attempting to close the distance and mixing in jab-cross combinations along with kicks targeting the legs and body. She also initiated the clinch multiple times, utilizing knee strikes.
The intensity of the fight significantly increased in the second round. The 30-year-old Swedish challenger unleashed powerful knee strikes to the body and delivered several elbows to the head.
Yet, by the midpoint of the round, the momentum shifted. Rodrigues successfully blocked many of her opponent`s attacks, skillfully changed levels to land hard punches, and confidently stepped into close range to deliver her own devastating knee strikes.
The climax of the fight unfolded in the third round. Persson started with a burst of energy, aggressively attacking with elbows and punches, but her offensive push was short-lived. Rodrigues created some space and, approximately 30 seconds into the round, lunged forward with a right hand to the body before swiftly following up with a heavy left hook to Persson`s jaw, causing an immediate knockdown.
Visibly damaged, Persson courageously answered referee Olivier Coste`s eight-count and signaled her desire to continue. However, mere moments later, Rodrigues pressured her towards the ropes, landed another body shot, and connected with *another* massive left hook. This second powerful blow sent Persson crashing to the canvas once more. The referee promptly intervened and waved off the fight, ensuring the continuation of the champion`s historic reign.
With this decisive victory, Rodrigues improved her professional record to 35-7 and earned an additional $50,000 performance bonus.
In another bout, #3 ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender Shadow Singha Mawynn, who had built a five-fight winning streak, faced Algeria`s Mohamed Younes Rabah. Shadow landed a short overhand right that floored Rabah after successfully dodging his rival`s jab-cross combination.
Unfortunately, less than 15 seconds into the second round, as Shadow attempted to pull down Rabah`s left arm to land another overhand right, his fingers accidentally poked Rabah in the eye.
Tragically, Rabah`s vision was compromised. Following an examination by the ringside doctor, it was determined he could not open his eye. Consequently, the bout was stopped and declared a no contest.
The event also featured a thrilling bantamweight Muay Thai battle between the hard-hitting Vladimir Kuzmin and the Irish standout Stefan Korodi.
Their contest was a classic clash of styles. Kuzmin exhibited lighter footwork, more fluid movement, and focused on counter-striking with his boxing and kicks. In contrast, Korodi utilized a more traditional Muay Thai style, attempting to slow the pace and stepping in with powerful kicks and punches.
Both fighters also exchanged punishing knee strikes during clinches. Ultimately, Kuzmin managed to inflict more damage on his opponent, landing some impressive spinning elbows. His effective distance management and striking from range were key factors leading to a unanimous decision victory.
Notably, during the event, Abdulla Dayakaev achieved a record-breaking milestone in his featherweight debut by knocking out Nontachai Jitmuangnon in just 24 seconds, marking the fastest knockout in the history of ONE`s Muay Thai division.
